NRS50.054. Interpreter for person with language barrier: Eligibility; oath; rights and privileges; replacement; payment of claims.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided by a regulation of the Court Administrator adopted pursuant to NRS 1.510 and 1.520, a person shall not act as an interpreter in a proceeding if the interpreter is:

      (a) The spouse of a witness;

      (b) Otherwise related to a witness;

      (c) Biased for or against one of the parties; or

      (d) Otherwise interested in the outcome of the proceeding.

      2.  Before undertaking his or her duties, the interpreter shall swear or affirm that he or she will:

      (a) To the best of his or her ability, translate accurately to the person with a language barrier in the language of the person, questions and statements addressed to the person;

      (b) Make a true interpretation of the statements of the person with a language barrier in an understandable manner; and

      (c) Repeat the statements of the person with a language barrier in the English language to the best of his or her ability.

      3.  While in the proper performance of his or her duties, an interpreter has the same rights and privileges as the person with a language barrier, including the right to examine all relevant material, but is not entitled to waive or exercise any of those rights or privileges on behalf of the person with a language barrier.

      4.  If an interpreter appointed for a person with a language barrier is not effectively or accurately communicating with or on behalf of the person, and that fact becomes known to the person who appointed the interpreter, another interpreter must be appointed.

      5.  Claims against a county, municipality, this State or any agency thereof for the compensation of an interpreter in a criminal proceeding or other proceeding for which an interpreter must be provided at public expense must be paid in the same manner as other claims against the respective entities are paid. Payment may be made only upon the certificate of the judge, magistrate or other person presiding over the proceedings that the interpreter has performed the services required and incurred the expense claimed.

      6.  As used in this section:

      (a) “Interpreter” means a person who:

             (1) Has a certificate as an interpreter issued by the Court Administrator pursuant to NRS 1.510 and 1.520; or

             (2) Is appointed as an alternate court interpreter in accordance with the criteria and procedures established pursuant to NRS 1.510 or 1.520.

      (b) “Person with a language barrier” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 1.510.

      (Added to NRS by 1995, 803; A 2001, 1775; 2007, 169; 2013, 1461)